Steam-trap.



PATBNTED AUG. 6, 1907.

W. R. TEMPLETON.

STEAM TRAP.

ArLlcATIoN FILED Jmml. 1907.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

gulf. .minimun .Q in. .Q \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\W was@ 7. O 9 11 n0! nm U A DE T N E T A D..

N. 0. mw LR WT BM TA .E RT .s W am 0u 2 2 6 OO O. N

APPLICATION FILED JAN.21, 1907.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Ill

Mmmmlmhwm n SMWMMHHHHIMI' Wa AWMVsWnwfrllxylllHKv UNITED STAT ES PATENTOFFICE.

WILLIAM R. TEINIPLETON, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALFTO WALTER A. OBRIEN, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

STEAM-TRAP.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 6, 1907.

Application filed January 21, 1907. Serial No. 353,221.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM R. TEMPLETON, a citizen of the UnitedStates, and a resident of Boston, county of Suffolk, State ofMassachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Steam-Traps, of which thefollowing description, in connection with the accompanying drawing, is aspecication, like letters on the drawing representing like parts.

This invention has for its object the production of a steam trapparticularly adapted for use in high pressure systems, say from 100 lbs.to 250 lbs. pressure, or higher, of simple and durable construction andso arranged and operating as to discharge as frequently as may berequired, and without readjustment for pressure between widely separatedextremes.

While the trapis designed especially for highpressurcs, as will appearhereinafter, it is well adapted for use with low pressure systems, andthe working pressure to which the trap is subjected may vary verygreatly without in the least diminishing the efficiency of the trap oraltering its large discharge capacity.

In the present embodiment of my invention I have eliminated absolutelysprings, diaphragms, expansion levers, packed'or stuffed joints orglands, and floats, the latter in the ordinary meaning of the term as ahollow member adapted to float upon and rise and fall with the waterlevel in the shell or casing of the trap.

I employ but two valves, a main valve to govern the discharge or outletport of the trap, and a controlling or pilot-valve to govern theoperation ofthe main or outlet valve. The movements of the controllingor pilotvalve onto and from its seat are effected positively by anactuator of peculiar and novel construction, and said pilot-valve ismaintained seated when the trap is in operation by the pressure in thetrap, independently of the actuator, which several features ofconstruction and operation are broadly new, so far as I am aware.

As will be pointed out hereinafter the main and controlling valve seatsare readily removable for grinding or for replacement, the entiremechanism is simple and durable, and the requisite care and attention tomaintain the trap in operative condition is reduced to a minimum.

The various novel features of my invention will be fully described inthesubjoined specification and particularly pointed out in the claimsappended thereto.

Figure l is a vertical sectional view of the shell or casing of thetrap, and within it in elevation the operative parts embodying one formof my present invention, the movable parts being shown in the positionassumed when the outlet or discharge valve and the controlling orpilot-valve are closed, that is, when the trap is under pressure; Fig. 2is a Vertical sectional view of the operative parts of the trap, theshell or casing being for the most part omitted, said parts being in thesame position as illustrated in Fig. l, but showing the construction ofvarious portions not therein in sight; Fig. 3 is a partial left hand endelevation of the apparatus shown in Fig. l, to more clearly show theconnection between the controlling or pilot-valve and the actuator; Fig.4 is a horizontal section on the line 4 4, Fig. 2, taken through thestem of the outlet valve and its guide casing.

The main shell or casing O, Fig. l, having an inlet c and openings c, c2for a water or gage-glass usually employed in connection with steamtraps, is shown as supported on feet or legs O, and it is also providedat or near its lowest point with an opening o3 for a sediment blow-offcock of any suitable construction, not herein shown. An opening at thetop and adjacent one end of the casing is closed by a fluid-tightclosure or cover-plate O, so that by removing the latter access may behad to the interior of the casing; and. the operating parts of the trap,to be described, are inserted or removed through such opening. Thecasing is provided with the usual pet-cock, partly shown at c4, Fig. l.

Referring to Figs. l and 2 the bottom of the casing O has a tubular bossc5 formed thereon into which is passed part of a.tubular coupling c,best shown in Fig. 2, the inner end of the coupling being externallythreaded at c7 and projecting above the boss, While the outer end isinternally threaded at o8 for connectionwith a tube o9, said tube andcoupling constituting a discharge passage or conduit for the trap.

I have provided an auxiliary or inner casing, in the present embodimentof my invention made as a casting comprising a body portion l having aflanged, tubular base 2 internally threaded to receive the threadedportion c7 of the coupling, the flanged portion of the base resting uponthe inner end of the boss c5, a fluid-tight connection being formed. Thecasting is thus firmly and rigidly secured to the bottom of the casingO, and stands upright therein, the bodyI portion l having a lateral,tubular branch 3 internally threaded at its outer end ate, Fig. 2, toreceiveaplug 5, screwed tightly thereinto and effectually closing theouter or dead end of the branch. As herein shown the body l is formedwith an upright tubular boss 6, above the base 2, and constituting acylinder in which a piston 7 is vertically movable, said piston having arelatively loose fit in the cylinder, and in addition having a smallvent passage 8 therein, for a purpose to be described. The open lowerend ofthe cylinder is shaped. to present an internal annular shoulder orseat 9, of less diameter than the piston, to limit downward movementthereof. A head 10, flanged at its lower end at 1l, Fig. 2, to rest uponthe upper end ofthe cylinder, is held in place thereon, Huid-tight, by aunion or coupa fixed fulerum or a rocking or tilting actuator, to beAhereinafter described.

As shown in Fig. 2 the head has a longitudinal pas- Vsage 15,communicating with the upper end of the cylinder, and intersecting atransverse, threaded hole 1G into which is screwed with a 'fluid-tightfit a nipple 17, the outer end of the nipple having secured to it a bend18 having an attached depending nipple 19. l do not, however, restrictmyself to this precise construction, as it is but a convenient andeiiieient way oi ormiug the cylinder-head, with a passage therethrough,and with an external connection between the cylinder-head 10 and thechamber or case of an auxiliary, controlling, or pilot-valve, to bereferred to.

The lower end ot" the nipple 19 forms an 'annular valve-seat 20, andwith this coperates the conical or tapered end 21 of the auxiliary orpilot-valve, the depending cylindrical stem 22 oi the valve having asliding lit in the lower end 23 o the valve-chamber 24, herein shown asinternally threaded at its upper end to be screwed onto the 4end of thenipple 19 in which the valve-seat 2() is formed. At its lower end theVvalve-stem is enlarged, at 25, the area thereof vbeing considerablylarger than the area oi the part of the valve 21 which coperates withthe seat.

While the valve chamber 24 is mainly below the normal level oi the waterin the shell or casing C, such level being indicated by the broken lineL-L, Fig. 1, 1 prefer to absolutely guard against the entrance of greaseto the said chamber, and to this end I have tapped into thevalve-chamber an inlet pipe or conduit 26, the lower end or mouth oiwhich is located substantially midway between the bottom oi the casing Cand the'normal water level L-L.

Any sediment collecting in the casing cannot be carried up to thepilot-valve chamber, and on the other hand grease in the water at ornear the surface thereof cannot enter said chamber, it being of muchimpory tance to keep the pilot-valve, its seat, and the valvechamberfree from grease or sediment, as the requirements for cleaning arethereby reduced to a minimum.

By forming the valve-seat 20 in the nipple 19, which is a connection orcoupling between the valve-chamber and the bend 18, the seat can bereadily removed when necessary, for inspection or regrinding, or a newnipple and valve-seat can be substituted when the old seat becomes toomuch worn.

The auxiliary or pilot-valve is raised to its seat, and is lowered to beunseated, and owing to the greater area oithe part 25 exposed to casingpressure, that is, the l'luid pressure Within the casing C, the valveVwill be held closed by such pressure so long as it is sufficient toovercome the weight of the valve and any parts connected therewith. Thisvalve, as will be manifest, controls the sole communication between themain shell or casing C of the trap and the interior of the cylinder 6above the piston 7.

Aitor referring to and describing the main or outlet valve or thedischarge passage or opening of the trap, and the manner in which it isgoverned, 1 will describe the actuating instrumentality by or throughwhich the controlling or pilot-valve is opened and closed according tothe water level in the shell or casing C.

Upon the outer end o the branch 3 is formed an upright, tubular andinternally-threaded boss 27, o less diameter than the cylinder 6, andinto it is tightly screwed a tubular nipple 28, having formed in itsupper end a preferably conical valve-seat 29, constituting an outlet ordischarge port for the trap and communicating with the discharge passagethereof, hereinbefore referred to, through the body 1 and branch 3 ofthe auxiliary casing, as will be manifest. The polygonal enlargement 30of the nipple 28, by means of which the latter is set up or removed,seats firmly on the top of the' boss 27 and aids making the connectionfluid-tight, while the readily detachable character of the nipple makesremoval of the valve-seat 29 easy for grinding or otherwise. An 'outletor discharge valve 31 coperates with the valve-seat 29, and as shown inFig. 2 the coning of the valve is sharper than that el the seat, toobviate any chance of sticking and also to effect a more accurateseating when the valve is closed, the depending valve spindle 32 havinglateral wings or guides 33 which slide easily within the Walls of thenipple. When the said valve is seated communication between the maincasing C oi the trap and the outlet or discharge passage thereof iscompletely shut ofi. A cap 34 is screwed onto the upper threaded end ofthe nipple 28, inclosing the outlet valve, and the cap is provided withapertures 35 to permit fluid contents oi the casing C to pass into thecap and down through the outlet port 29 when the valve 31 is opened. Aprojection 36 on the top of the valve is adapted to coperate with thetop of the cap and thereby limit opening movement of the valve, the capprotecting the latter and preventing any large bodies of sediment orother foreign matter from passing into the outlet port. i

The piston and the outlet valve are operatively conneeted in such mannerthat when the valve is seated the piston will be raised, and when thepiston is moved downward the outlet valve will be raised from its seat.Said piston is not only o greater area than the valve,

A but it is also heavier than the valve and its attached winged stem, sothat when there is no pressure in the trap the weight of the piston willcause it to descend and lift the outlet valve, so that the trap willdischarge down to the low water level L-L, Fig. 1. Such an arrangementis a great convenience, for when pressure is shut oft for the day, forinstance, no attention is rev quired to vent the trap to the desiredextent.

The piston has a depending stud 37 on its lower end, passing below theannular shoulder 9, the rounded end oi the stud coperating with theadjacent flattened end 38 oi a rocking lever or transmitter 39, having acentral hub 40 and located in the branch 3 and body 1 oi the auxiliarycasing, see Fig. 2. The other 'flattened end 38 of the lever engages therounded lower end 32 ofr the valve-stem 32, a transverse ulcrum pin 41passing loosely through the lever hub 40 and fitting snugly intoopposite openings in the sides of the branch 3, said openings passingthrough threaded bosses 42 adapted to receive caps 43, Fig. 1, screwedtightly thereon, making the openings for the ulerum-pin fluid-tight.

Obviously, when the piston 7 descends the lever 39 will be rocked andthe outlet valve 31 will be unseated or opened, and seating of the valvecauses the piston to ascend, the connection between piston and valvebeing positive and efficient, yet with little friction in its operation.

The transmitting lever 39 is inserted in the branch 3 by removing theplug 5, after which the fulcrum pin 4l is positioned and the caps 43screwed on, and the plug is replaced, closing the dead end of thebranch.

In order that the water of condensation shall flow into the casing C thetrap is located at the lowest possible point of the steam system, as isthe usual practice.

Snpposing that the trap is empty, that is, the water therein is down tothe line Ia-L, Fig. l, and that pressure is on, as with the steam systemin operation, such casing pressure will act directly upon the outletvalve 3l, and will close it when the pressure is sufi-lcient to overcomethe weight of the piston 7, and the trap `is thus kept closed while thewater accumulates therein until it attains a predetermined level,whereupon the auxiliary or pilot-valve 21 is opened. Communicationbetween the casing C and the cylinder 6 above the piston 7 is therebyestablished, and the piston is subjected to fluid pressure. As the areaof the piston is greater than the area of the outlet valve the openingpressure acting upon said valve will be augmented over the closingpressure thereupon, and the outlet valve will be opened promptly,effecting a full and complete discharge of the trap. When the auxiliaryor controlling valve 21 is moved from its seat the full opening isattained practically instantaneously, as will be explained, and as thearea of the inlet to the cylinder 10 is greater than the area of thevent or outlet passage 8, plus the area of the very slight clearancebetween the piston and the cylinder, the piston will be moved downwardby practically the full pressure within the casing. When thelvalve 2l isagain seated the cylinder is shut off from the 'main casing, and thefluid pressure within the cylinder gradually diminishes by leakagethrough the passage 8 in the piston, permitting the pressure in thecasing to act directly upon and gradually close the outlet valve 31..The back-pressure on the piston thus acts to cushion the closingmovement of the said valve 3l, preventing hammering of the latter andmaterially reduces wear on both the valve and its seat.

I will now describe the novel means by or through which the auxiliary orpilot-valve is opened and closed, and the particular features wherebysuch means is particularly adapted for the highest usable steampressures.

A rocking actuator, shown as a lever having a short arm 44 and a longarm 45, the latter bent up at its end, is fulcrumed on the pin 14 tomove in a vertical plane between the ears 13, said lever being held fromlateral displacement by an upright slotted guide 46, shown herein asmounted in a boss 47 on the top of the branch 3 between the cylinder 6and the outlet valve, see Fig. l, and in section Fig. 2. The actuatorhas attached to it two weight members W and W, by pivotal connections48, 49 respectively, see Fig` 1, so that said members are suspended fromthe actuator, the said members being solid blocks of materials capableof withstanding high pressures and of different weights and specificgravities, and in the preferred form of my invention both having aspecific gravity greater than water. In other words, neither of saidmembers will float, but the buoyant action'of water, when they areimmersed therein, has a differential effect thereupon. The weight memberW is conveniently a block of cast iron, combining cheapness and weightwith relatively small dimensions, and it is suspended from the shorterarm 44 of the actuator, while the other member W is preferably soapstoneor similar material. For use in a trap adapted to be employed with aworking pressure of from say 100 to 200 pounds to the square inch I havefound a weight of about 1.1 pounds for the member W, and 4 pounds forthe member V, to give absolutely satisfactory results.

When the trap is empty, that is, with the water therein at the level LL, Fig. l, the block W is partly immersed and the block W is just incontact with or slightly above the surface of the water, and at suchtime the member W overbalances the member W and the weight of theconnections between the actuator and the auxiliary valve, such normalposition of the parts being shown in Fig. 1,

A cross-bar 50 extended through the end 25 of the valve-stem of thepilot-valve 2l has pivotally connected with its ends upturned links 5l,see also Fig. 3, the upper ends of which have attached lateralsleevelike heads 52, and they, with a pin 53 extended through them,constitute a cross-head. Said pin passes loosely through a segmentalslot 54 in the lever-arm 44, Figs. 1 and 2, the slot having the fulcrum14 as its center, and when the actuator is -in normal position, shown inFig. 1, the bottom of the slot is in engagement with the pin 53 and thepilot-valve is seated. A weight 55 is hung by apertured ears 56 on thecross-bar 50, and for the weights given for the members W and W theweight 55 is about 1 pound. The inner ends of the heads 52 receivebetween them the lever-arm 44, as shown in Fig. `3, and it will be seenthat the weight 55 is connected with the pilot-valve stem, and thelatter with the actuator, by the connection described; but by the slot54 there is lost motion between the actuator and the said valve, theamount depending upon the length of the slot. Such length may be varied,as by a set screw 57 held in a lateral enlargement 58 on the actuatorand held adjusted by a check nut 59, the inner end of the set-screwdetermining the effect-ive length of the slot.

It is supposed that the parts are as shown in Fig l, and that the trapis under pressure. As the water accumulates therein the members W and Ware more completely immersed, and when the member W is covered themember W will be about three-fourths immersed, and at such time itsdisplacement is such that the buoyant effect of the water will diminishits effective weight, and it will rise as the member W descends. Thisrocks the actuator, the normal overbalancing thereof being overcome, andthe balance is shifted as the water level rises, but the valve 2lremains seated as the casing pressure maintains it closed, the slot 54permitting the relative movement of the actuator. When, however, thewater rises high enough to bring the upper end ofthe slot, i. e., theset-screw 57, against the pin 53 the slightest additional movement ofthe lever will move the valve 21 from its seat. Instantly the valvedrops the length of the slot 54 to full 'open position, the rapidity ofitsvmovement being hastened by the weight 55, and the cylinder 6 abovethe piston` 7 is in full communication with the casing, the pressuretherein acting to depress the piston and open the outlet valve 3l,thereby discharging the trap. 4From an inspection ol Fig. 2, it will beseen that when the controlling or pilot-valve 2l. is seated the piston 7will be up, the casing pressure acting upon the outlet valve 3l andthrough the rocking transmitter 39 to maintain the piston in suchposition. When the valve 2l. is unseated as has been described it willbe manifest that the piston offers a temporary resistance to the ireeentrance of the fluid pressure through the valve-seat 20, and thisresista-nce affords the weight 55 time to at once pull the valve 21 downto full open position. Thatfis, at the instant the said valve isunseated it is still close to its seat 20, and when working with highpressures the inrush of pressure through the seat, if unretarded or nottemporarily resisted, would act to immediately reseat the valve, and theunseating and reseating would be repeated, causing wire-drawing orbleeding, and a most unsatisfactory operation of the trap. As the pistonstant the valve 21 is unseated the attached Weight 55 has time to act,and after so doing, thereby moving the opening the inrush through thevalve-seat 20 has no effect whatever on the valve, but passes freely tothe cylinder 6 and operates the piston to open the outlet. valve 3l..The opening of the pilot-valve occurs when the water in the trap attainsa predetermined level, and the longer the effective length of the slot54 the higher such level, while shortening of such effective lengthcauses discharge When a smaller quantity of water has accumulated. Asthe trap discharges the water level falls and the buoyant action oreffort of the water on the weight member W/ diminishes, the latterregaining its effective weight correspondingly, so that it againoverbalances the member W upon the shorter arm 44 of the actuator. Fromits abnormal position said actuator begins to rock back to normalposition as the balance shifts, but the valve 21 remains fully open, andconsequently the outlet valve 31 is maintained wide open, until justbefore low water level is reached the bottom of slot 54 picks up the pin53 and lifts the auxiliary valve 21 to its seat. Once seated theequilibrium of pressure on the valve and its stem is destroyed and theeasing pressure holds the valve 2l. shut, until it is time for the trapto again discharge. When the buoyant action of the water is removed fromthe weight member W its effective weight is sufficient to overbalancethe weight member W, the pilot-valve, the connection between the latterand the actuator, and the small weight 55, in addition to the casingpressure on the area of the pilot-valve resisting its closure.

The pilot-valve is opened and closed quickly and sharply, so that thereis in practice no wire-drawing, through the valve-seat 20, ashereinbefore explained as is the case with a slowly moving valve whenopening or closing, and 1 thereby reduce to a minimum wear on the valveand its seat.

I have found soapstone to be a material thoroughly efficient for thelighter weight member Wf, as it can withstand the pressures, no matterhow high, and it is not appreciably deteriorated by the action of Wateror no partial operation.

steam at high pressures. So, too, by reason of its specific gravity itcan be used in a convenient size, without requiring an unduly largecasing.

Th outlet of the trap is fully open for the complete discharge, as willbe manifest, and the discharge is not effected until the predeterminedwater level is attained, nor is the trap outlet closed until thedischarge is completed.

The weight 55 not only facilitates quick and full opening of thepilot-valve when unseated but it in a measure diminishes the sizerequisite for the member Wf, for it assists the buoyant action of theWater on said member for a given displacement thereof.

1t will be noted that the actuator has for its sole function the openingand closing of the pilot-valve at the proper instant, as the said valveis maintained closed by the casing pressure.

An important point in the operation oi` my novel trap is the fact thatit operates only when it should, and as often as the trap fills, andthen completely, but there is That is, discharge is not effected i untilthe water attains a predetermined level in the acts to check or retardthis inrush of pressure at the infor another complete discharge. valvecompletely away from its seat and giving the full i casing, and then thedischarge is complete, and no further discharge is effected until thetrap is in condition The rapidity -With which discharges take placedepends absolutely upon the rapidity with which the water flows into thetrap, and upon nothing else. If, as sometimes happens, a great rush ofwater Occurs the outlet valve s opened when the predetermined waterlevel is attained and it remains open just so long as the rush of watercontinues, and no longer. Consequently there is no drowning of the trappossible, no throttling of the outlet 'when it should be fully open, andon the other hand there is no leakage or waste of steam through theoutlet when it should be shut. The outlet or discharge passage of thetrap is as large as the outlet c of the shell or casing, as will be seenfrom an inspection of the drawings.

I have obviated altogether the use of so-called floats or hollow bodies,which will operate perfectly well with low pressures, but which cannotbe depended upon for high pressures, as they will either collapse oropen after very short service.

Between pressure variations of from 50 to 200 lbs. no adjustment orchange in the trap is necessary, as it will operate just as well foreither extreme limit or at any intermediate pressure, but over 200 lbs.I would preferably increase somewhat the weights of the members W and W/and the weight on the pilot-valve, while maintaining substantially thesame relative proportions hereinbefore given;

Having fully described my invention, what 1 claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is 1. ln combination with the shell or casingof a steam `trap having a discharge port, a valve therefor adapted to beopened and closed solely by the fluid pressure within the casing, andmeans to augment the valve-opening pres* sure when the water in thecasing attains a predetermined level and to diminish such pressure whenthe trap has discharged, said means including a controlling valvemaintained closed by the pressure within the casing as the water leveltherein rises, and an instrumentality to cop crate with said valve andeffect opening thereof, against the pressure in the casing, when thepredetermined water level is attained, and to again coperate with andposi tively close the controlling valve when the trap has discharged.

2. In combination with the shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge port, a valve therefor adapted to be opened and closed solelyby the fluid pressure within the casing, and means to augment thevalve-opening pressurewhen the water in the casing attains apredetermined level and to diminish such pressure when the trap hasdischarged, said means including a vertically movable controlling valvemaintained closed by the pressure within the casing as the wateraccumulates therein, and an instrumentality to coperate with and causethe valve to drop against the casingpressure when the water thereinattains a predetermined level, and to again coperate with and lift thecontrolling valve against its seat when the trap has discharged. a

3. ln combination with the shell or casing of a steam trap havingl adischarge port, a valve therefor adapted to be opened and closed solelyby the huid pressure within the casing, and means to augment thevalve-opening pressure when the Water in the casing attains apredetermined level and to diminish such pressure when the trap hasdischarged, said means including a vertically movable, weightedcontrolling valve independent oi the outlet valve and maintained closedby the pressure within the casing as the water accumulates therein, andan instrumentality to coperate with and unseat the controlling valveagainst casing pressure when the water therein attains a predeterminedlevel, and to again coperate with and lift the valve against its seatwhen the trap has discharged, the weight of' the valve imparting a rapidopening movement thereto when unseated by said instrumentality.

4. In combination with the shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge port,a valve therefor adapted to be opened and closed solelyby the fluid pressure Within the casing, and means to augment thevalve-opening pressure level and to diminish such pressure when the traphas discharged, said means including a pilot-valve independent ot theoutlet valve and normally held closed by the pressure in the casing, andan actuator intermittently coperating with said controlling valve andgoverned by the level of the water in the casing, to positively closethe valve immediately upon discharge of the trap and to again cooperatewith and open said valve against the casing pressure only when the watertherein reaches a predetermined height.

5. In combination with the shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge passage; an outlet-valve therefor directly acted upon andclosed by the uid pressure within the casing, a piston of greater areathan and operatively connected with the valve, to open the latter whenthe fluid pressure `on the piston exceeds the closing pressure on thevalve, a pilot-valve normally held closed by the casing pressure, togovern the admission of fluid pressure to the piston, and aninstrumentality to open the pilot-valve against the casing pressure whenthe water in the casing reaches a predetermined level, and to cooperatewith and positively close said pilot-valve immediately upon discharge ofthe trap.

(i. In combination with the shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge passage, an outlet valve therefor directly acted upon andclosed by the fluid pressure Within the casing, means, including anoperatively connected piston of greater area than the valve, to open thelatter when the fluid pressure on the piston exceeds the closingpressure on the valve, and means to subject the piston to the pressurewithin the casing when the Water therein attains a predetermined level,said latter means including a controlling valve maintained closed by thecasing pressure, and an actuator to intermittingly coperate with andpositively seat and unseat the controlling valve.

T. In combination with the shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge port, a valve therefor adapted to be opened and closed by thefluid pressure within the casing, and means to augment the valve-openingpressure when the water in the casing attains a predetermined level andto diminish such pressure when the trap has discharged, said meansincluding a pilot-valve normally held closed by the pressure in thecasing, an actuator' having a lost-motion connection with thepilot-valve and operated by the variation in level of the water in thecasing, and

means to vary the movement of the actuator relatively to thepilot-valve, the latter being unseated when a predetermined water levelis reached and positively seated by the actuator when the trap hasdischarged.

S. ln combination with the shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge passage, an outlet valve therefor directly acted upon andclosed solely by the pressure Within the casing, a piston of greaterarea than and operatively connected with the valve, to open the latterwhen the fluid pressure on the piston exceeds the closing pressure onthe valve, a pilot-valve normally held closed by the casing pressure, achamber for the pilot-valve, an inlet for the chamber, having its mouthat all times sub- 4merged at a distance below the water level when thetrap is discharged to prevent the entrance of grease to said chamberwhen the pilot-valve is opened, and means to intermittingly coperatewith said' pilot-valve, to open it when the water level attains apredetermined height and to close it when the trap has discharged.

9. The combination, with the shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge port, of a valve therefor directly acted upon and closed bythe fluid pressure Within the casing, means, including a pilot-valve, toopen the valve by the action of augmented fluid pressure against theforce of the closing pressure, and a device to open the pilot-valve andrender said means operative to discharge the trap when the water in thecasing attains a predetermined level, said device comprising a rockingactuator having attached, unequal Weights, of different specificgravities greater than that of Water and normally positioned by thelighter weight of less specific gravity to effect closingl of thepilot-valve when the trap discharges, the buoyant action of theaccumulating water upon such weight diminishing its effectiveness andthereby causing the actuator to rock into position to effect opening ofthe pilotvalve when the water in the casing attains the predeterminedlevel.

10. In combination with a shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge passage, an outlet Valve therefor directly acted upon andclosed by the casing pressure, -a controlling piston operativelyconnected with and of greater area than said valve, a normally closedpilot-valve to admit iiuid at casing pressure to the piston, to overcomethe closing pressure on and open the outlet valve to discharge the trap,and means to open the pilotvalve when the water in the casing reaches apredetermined level, said means including a rocking actuator havingattached unequal weights heavier than water and of different specificgravities, the lighter' weight of less specific gravity normallypositioning the actuator to close the pilot-valve, the buoyant effect ofthe water accumulating in the casing acting with greater force on thelighter weight and thereby causing the actuator to rock into position toeffect opening of the pilot-valve when the predetermined level of theWater is reached.

11. 'lhe combination, with a shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge port, of a valve therefor directly acted upon and closed bythe iiuid pressure in the casing, means to open the valve by the actionof augmented fiuid pressure against the force of such closing pressure,and an instrumentality to render operative said means when the waterreaches a predetermined level in the casing, comprising a lever havingattached to its opposite arms unequal weights of different specificgravities and both nonfloatable, the lighter weight normallyoverbalancing the heavier weight, the buoyancy of the water accumulatingin the casing acting with greater effect upon the lighter Weight,causing the lever to rock into abnormal position as the predeterminedWater level is attained.

12. The combination, with a shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge port, of an outlet valve therefor, means to eiect the openingand closing of the valve by the liuid pressure in the casing, and anactuator for said means comprising a rocking lever having a short and along arm, a heavy metallic Weight on the former and a normallyoverbalancing block of soapstone of less Weight on the longer arm, theaccumulating water in the casing exerting a greater buoyant action uponthe soapstone and diminishing its effective Weight suicientlyA to shiftthe balance and cause the lever to rock to abnormal position when apredetermined waiei level is attained and through the valve controllingmeans open the outlet valve to discharge the trap, such dischargepermitting the'soapstone to again shift the balance and return the leverto normal position. 4

13. The combination, with a shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge port, of'an outlet valve therefor directly acted upon andclosed by the fluid pressure in the casing, means to open the valve bythe action of augmented fluid pressure when the water in the casing atAtains a predetermined level, and a controlling instrumentality for saidmeans comprising a rocking lever having unequal arms, a metallic weightmember on the shorter arm and a normally over-balancing,`non-metallicmember of less weight, such as soapstone, on the longer arm, theaccumulating water in the casing exerting differential buoyant actionupon said members and shifting'the balance, to thereby rock the lever toabnormal position when the predetermined water level is reached andeffect the operation of the opening means for the outlet valve,discharging the trap, such discharge causing the lever me1n- 4bers toagain shift the balance and return the lever to normal position.

14. The combination, with a shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge port, of a valve therefor closed by liuid pressure within thecasing acting directly upon the valve, a vertical cylinder within thecasing, a piston mov able therein, of greater area than and operativelyconnected with said valve, an auxiliary valve to govern the admission ofcasing pressure to the cylinder, and a lever having a lost-motionconnection with the auxiliary valve, to open it' when the water in thecasing attains a predetermined .level and thereby subject the piston tocasing pressure-opening the outlet valve-and to close the auxily iaryvalve when the trap has discharged, the casing pres sure maintainingsaid auxiliary valve closed as the Water level rises, said lever havingattached thereto unequal operating weights ot different specificgravities and both of greater speciiic gravity than water, the auxiliaryvalve when closed shutting ott pressure on the piston and permitting thecasing pressure to close the outlet valve.

15. The combination, with a shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge port, of a valve therefor closed by iuid pressure within thecasing, means, including an auxiliary valve, to effect opening of theoutlet valve by augmented pressure within the casing, the casingpressure holding the auxiliary valve closed, an actuating lever tointermittingly coperate with the auxiliary valve, to seat and unseat it,solid, unequal weight members of different specific gravities mounted onopposite lever arms, the lighter member, of less specificr gravity,normally overhalancing the other member, to cause the lever to seat theauxiliary valve, water accumulating in the casing exerting a greaterbuoyant action upon such lighter member and gradually rocking the leverto unseat the auxiliary valve as the water attains a predeterminedlevel, to thereby cause discharge of the trap, 'the consequent loweringof the water level returning the lever to normal position and seatingthe auxiliary valve when discharge ot the trap has been completed.

1G. The combination, with a shell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge port, of a valve therefor closed by fluid pressure within thecasing, means, including an auxiliary Valve, to effect opening of theoutlet valve by augmented pressure within the casing, the casingpressure holding the auxiliary valve closed, an actuating lever tointermittingly coperate with the auxiliary valve, to seat and unseat it,solid, unequal weight members of different specific gravities mounted onopposite lever arms, the lighter member, of less specilic gravity,normally overhalancing the other member, to cause the lever to seat theauxiliary valve, water accumulating in the casing exerting a greaterbuoyant action upon such lighter member and gradually rocking the leverto unseat the auxiliary valve as thc water attains a predeterminedpressure, to thereby cause discharge of the trap, the consequentlowering of the water level returning the lever to normal position andseating the auxiliary valve when discharge of the trap has beencompleted, and a weight on the auxiliary valve, to hasten the openingthereof after it has been unseated.

17. In combination with the shell or casing of a steam trap having aninlet and a `discharge passage of substantially the same size, an outletValve directly acted upon and held closed solely by the pressure withinthe casing, means, includingr a cylinder and a piston therein of greaterarea than the valve, to open the latter when the fluid pressure on thepiston exceeds the closing pressure on the valve, and a rockingconnection between the piston and the valve, and means to subject thepiston to the pressure Within the casing when the water therein attainsa predetei-mined level, said latter means including a controlling valvemaintained closed by the casing pressure, and an actuator tointermittingly coperate with and seat and unseat the controlling valve.

18. In combination with the -lhell or casing of a steam trap having adischarge passage, and an outletvalve therefor directly acted upon andclosed solely by the iuid pressure within the casing, a piston ofgreater area than the valve, and movable in a path parallel thereto, arocking transmitter operatively connected with said piston and valve andeifecting their movement in opposite directions, to open the valve whenthe iiuid pressure on the piston exceeds the closing pressure on thevalve, a pilot-valve to govern admission of fluid pressure to thepiston, andan instrumentality to open the pilot-valve when the water inthe casing reaches a predetermined level, and to close said pilot-valveimmediately upon discharge of the trap.

19, ln adevice of the class described, a shell or casing having adischarge passage, an outlet valve therefor directly acted upon andclosed solely by iluid pressure Within the casing, a piston of greaterarea than thevalve, a rocking connection between them, to open the valvewhen the closing pressure thereon is exceeded by the fluid pressure onthe piston, a cylinder in which the piston is movable, acontrolling-valve to govern the admission of casing pressure to thecylinder, a seat for said valve, the latter being maintained seatedsolely by the casing pressure, a weight attached to thecontrolling-valve, and means to intermittingly coperate with said valveto unseat it when the casing iills with Water and to seat it when thetrap has discharged, the temporary resistance to the incoming Huidpressure exerted by the piston when the controlling-valve is unseatedcausing the attached weight to instantly move said valve to full openposition and permit free passage of the fluid pressure through thevalve-seat.

20. ln a device of the class described, a shell or casing having adischarge passage, an outlet valve therefor directly acted upon andclosed solely by iiuid pressure within the casing, a piston of greaterarea than and operatively connected with the valve, to open it when theclosing pressure on the valve is exceeded by the iiuid pressure on thepiston, a cylinder in which the piston is movable, a valvechambercommunicating with the cylinder and having a valve-seat, a pilot-valvecoperating therewith and having an attached weight, said valve beingmaintained seated solely by the easing pressure, an inlet for thechamber having its mouth below the level of the water in the casing whenthe trap is discharged, to thereby prevent the entrance of grease intothe chamber when the pilot-valve is unseated, said inlet opening intothe chamber below the valve-seat, and means to intermittingly coperatewith said valve to unseat it when the casing fills with water and toseat it when the trap has discharged, the temporary resistance to theincoming fluid pressure exerted by the piston when the controlling-valveis unseated causing the attached weight to instantly move said valve tofull open position and permit free passage of the huid pressure throughthe valve-seat.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, inthe presence of two subscribing witnesses.

WILLIAlNI R. TEMPLETON.

Witnesses .Toi-1N C. EDWARDS, EMILY C. Honoris.

